gb2000ie
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What happened with the ancient games in Greece? Sometimes city- states would be at war. They would halt the war and have the games!
If we can't act in the same spirit, why does the IOC award Russia the games? The West boycotted the last Russian games. (It had no effect in Afghanistan). Now Russia has a another games, and we boycott again? That will move Russia toward a more open, tolerant society? Of course not.
Going to the games gets us in. I have real faith in the athletes. Some won't support gay rights. Some will be annoyed that an issue has distracted from their moment in the winter sun. But many of them are thoughtful, intense people. This is their moment. Many of them will use that moment to do the right thing (and make themselves famous). Let's give them that chance.
As a counter-example, I offer the end of Apartheid, which was helped along by a wide-spread boycott of South African exports. Irish supermarkets took a very strong stance on this, and Ireland played it's part in pressuring South Africa to change, and, with enough pressure from enough countries, IT DID!
I think the gays in Russia deserve the same, and I am playing my small part by not letting any more of my money than I can avoid go to Russia.
B.